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NUP supporters are like weaverbirds-Frank Gashumba

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NUP supporters are like weaverbirds-Frank Gashumba
Frank Gashumba .

What happened at the burial of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad was disgusting. How can the NUP gang capture and own his body, even against a request by Ssegirinya’s mother to take it to a larger space? This gang needs to be neutralised. If they misbehave without guns, what if one day they acquire them?”

The chairperson of the Council for Abavandimwe, Frank Gashumba, has criticised the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership for allegedly neglecting the late Kawempe North MP, Ssegirinya Muhammad, during his illness.

He also condemned the chaotic handling of Ssegirinya's burial.

Speaking on a local media platform on Monday morning, Gashumba accused NUP and its president, Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, of failing to support Ssegirinya when he needed them the most.

“Mathias Mpuuga Nsamba’s only crime was supporting Ssegirinya Muhammad during his trying times. I would like to know how much NUP and Bobi Wine contributed to his burial,” Gashumba said.

He also condemned the behaviour of NUP supporters during Ssegirinya’s funeral, calling the scenes disrespectful and chaotic.

“What happened at the burial of Hon. Ssegirinya Muhammad was disgusting. How can the NUP gang capture and own his body, even against a request by Ssegirinya’s mother to take it to a larger space? This gang needs to be neutralised. If they misbehave without guns, what if one day they acquire them?”

Gashumba likened NUP supporters to "weaverbirds," accusing them of exaggerating their influence.

“If you hear them making a lot of noise, you may think they have the capacity to resist, but just one stone can disperse them,” he stated.

Gashumba also urged a reform in Uganda’s political system, suggesting politicians should represent their places of origin.

“We are tired of seeing politicians congesting areas where they don’t belong. If your area rejected you, don’t disrupt others,” he argued.

Despite his criticism, Gashumba commended the late MP for his determination and work ethic. He recounted their first meeting during Dr. Kizza Besigye’s campaigns in 2006.

“I met Ssegirinya Muhammad in 2006 and admired his determination. I even sponsored his 2016 campaign for a city hall seat. Ssegirinya was a true definition of hard work,” Gashumba said.

He further alleged that Ssegirinya was neglected by his party during his illness, citing a claim from a doctor at Rubaga Hospital.

“A doctor at Rubaga Hospital told me he was surprised to see hundreds of NUP politicians flocking to the hospital after Ssegirinya’s death, yet none had visited him while he was bedridden,” Gashumba added.

Gashumba’s statements have drawn mixed reactions. Some applaud him for exposing internal flaws within NUP, while others accuse him of politicising a tragic loss.

Efforts to reach NUP officials for a response were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Ssegirinya’s burial in Butale village, Masaka District, was marked by controversy. Tensions arose over whether he should receive an official send-off organised by Parliament.

While Parliament proposed a formal ceremony, NUP leaders rejected the idea, accusing Parliament of using the event for political gain.

The dispute escalated when a disagreement over the burial venue occurred.

Parliament had suggested a playground near the late MP’s parental home, but NUP leaders opted for a simpler, community-focused farewell.

Chaos erupted as NUP supporters blocked police pallbearers from accessing the Parliament-designated venue. Security forces, including police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, were deployed to restore order, but their presence further fueled tensions.

Despite the turmoil, Ssegirinya was remembered as a resilient and dedicated leader who served his constituents with passion.

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